Record-Setting Rock Bass Caught By Maryland Angler

A Maryland angler has tied the record for the largest rock bass ever caught in the state.

The record-setting fish was caught earlier this month in Maryland.
Photo Credit: *Maryland Department of Natural Resources*

01/17/2024 12:00 p.m.

Thomas Over Jr. of Darlington caught the 1.0-pound rock bass in the lower Susquehanna River on Saturday, Jan. 6.

“I was throwing a tandem perch rig with BPS jig heads and Southern Pro lil Hustler 1.5-inch white/red tube in deep water,” Over told the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

“When I felt the ‘thump’ and started cranking, I thought I had a doubleheader of jumbo yellow perch, but to my surprise, it was a new species of fish that I did not recognize.

"I sent a picture to a few friends, and Paul Badders replied, ‘rock bass, and a pretty big one from the looks of it.’”

The 10.5-inch-long fish was taken to Angler’s Sport Center in Annapolis to be weighed and have its species confirmed by Maryland DNR Recreational Fishing Outreach Coordinator Erik Zlokovitz.

Over’s catch is an exact tie with Maryland’s current state record, which was set by Timothy A. Adams on the Susquehanna River on May 4, 1997.

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